NET Investigation results in the recovery of more than 11 thousand packages of suspected Synthetic Cannabinoids

The execution of the search warrants resulted in the recovery of more than 11,000 packages believed to contain synthetic cannabinoids, $16,000 in cash, 200 packages of suspected bath salts, and other items and records relating to the sale of the banned substances. The seized drugs are valued at over $150,000. The seized items will be processed and tested to determine their chemical content. Previous purchases of synthetic marihuana products from these locations have already been tested and were positively identified as banned substances under the law.

During the course of the operations the following subject were arrested for violation of section 229 of the N.Y.S. Public Health Law. They were all issued appearance tickets returnable in various local courts on a later date:

Brooklyn Boise, 43, 78 Maida Dr., Spencerport, NY

Russell P. Landon, 31, 2 Kintz St., Rochester, N.Y.

Jasen M. Kendrot, 32, 612 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, N.Y.

Clyde Beach, 56, 2C Padgett Ln., Cuddebackville, N.Y.

Due to the significant amount of product seized at some of the locations, the Drug Enforcement Administration may seek federal prosecution.

New York State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico said, “The fact that some retail establishments continue to sell these illicit drugs over the counter is disconcerting and won’t be tolerated. These drugs being sold over the counter gives the citizenry the false impression they are not dangerous drugs, while the fact is, there have been very serious health and public safety issues related to these synthetic drugs. The State Police will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure these drugs remain off the shelves of retail establishments.”

“Bath salts and synthetic marijuana present a real and immediate threat to the health and safety of our young adults and the public at large,” said State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. “I applaud the efforts of the New York State Police, the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement and local law enforcement to rid our communities of these harmful substances.”

Orange County District Attorney Frank Phillips said, “This investigation points out the need for stronger penalties for the sale and distribution of these substances.”